"Je t'aime," Asher whispers quietly, stroking and petting a little more firmly, his heart swelling at the soft purr.

"There are times when Asher wishes he could undo his past, undo the choices he's made. While Nathaniel is settled now, the last few days definitely qualify. He's come so close to losing Nathaniel, for his own pigheadedness and cowardice.

Brushing his lips against Nathaniel's forehead once more, he settles down, his touches soothing Nathaniel into sleep.